This Saturday, June 28, 2008

Connecticut Beach & Country Skate / Bike*

Join Victor and Emily for the Annual Connecticut Beach& Country
Skate. An exciting route includes 3 miles inland past beautiful homes
on smooth roads (Initially tested by Jared & Rick) in addition to the
awesome Connecticut shoreline. Three "5 minute" hills will add to the
fun but can be avoided for those who want to skate level. This 24
mile skate is roughly 4 times the central park loop. You should be
comfortable skating with groups on roads with light traffic. We stop
half way for lunch at the quaint Firehouse Deli in Fairfield. You'll
have the option of taking the train back to NYC or to the
Westport/Compo Beach, if 12 miles is enough for you. Invite friends.

The skate / bike* is free and starts about 11:15 AM after the NYC
Train arrives.

If you drive, the Westport train station is just off northbound
Interstate 95, Exit 17, right, first left.

Meet on the South side of the tracks. Parking is free on weekends.

We usually finish skating about 5pm, have a swim, clean up at outdoor
showers, and maybe eat at 'Joey's By the Sea' right on Compo
Beach. Lobster Roll, Salads, Burgers, Veggie Burgers, and Paul
Newman's foods available. Alternatively, we may just hang at the
Beach where beach food available. In any case, bring beach gear! That
gear can be left in cars at starting station during the skate, and
will be brought to the beach when we arrive.

Meet at Grand Central Station's Central Info Booth (42nd & Park Ave.)
by 10:00 am with ticket in hand. Catch the 10:07 train to WESTPORT
Train Station (New Haven line). Round trip train ticket is $21.50.
Bikers* see below.

After Skate / Bike* trains head back to NYC regularly till midnight:
4:29PM, 5:06PM, 5:29PM, 6:31PM, 7:31PM, 8:31PM, 9:57PM, 10:45PM, and 11:56PM.

*Bikers are welcome, and must know that skaters kick-out. Those on
bikes need to give skaters enough space by riding off to the side, in
front or in the back. Keep in mind, permit required for bike on
train. Some have ridden trains with their bikes without permits, but
it is regulation to have one. I do not recall ever being asked for my
permit when I've brought my bike on MTA or LIRR trains over many,
many years, but I always bring it. The five dollar lifetime bicycle
permit is purchasable at any staffed ticket window or by mail. In
addition to $5 fee a completed form required. Usable on MTA
Metro-North Railroad, and Long Island Rail Road. See
http://www.mta.info/mnr/html/mnrbikepermit.htm and
http://www.mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/bikerule.htm.

Questions to Victor at email
<mailto:victorjc@...>victorjc@... or call 203-807-1000

HELMET & WRIST GUARDS REQUIRED


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